Project Manager (Events & Experiences)

 We are on the lookout for exceptional candidates to join our talent pipeline! As we continue to grow, we want to connect with forward-thinking individuals who share our passion for events and who are ready to make a significant impact.  While we may not have an immediate opening, we do expect roles to open in the near future.

Building A Brand Starts with Our Story

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. Operating as a full-service agency partner or through embedding specialist talent into client teams, FIRST brings brands and people together through creative, connected experiences.

FIRST works with clients across various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 150 Event Organizers & Agencies in the USA by Eventex, being listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2023, 2022 & 2021 by Chief Marketer, being recognized as one of the "50 Top Event Companies" by Special Events, being included in the Top 100 "Best Places to Work in NYC" by Crain's New York Business, and being listed as one of the "1000 Companies to Inspire Britain" by The London Stock Exchange Group.

FIRST also understands that businesses worldwide, including us, need to adopt more sustainable and socially responsible practices. Our vision of sustainability at FIRST is about fostering a People centric, Purpose driven & Planet conscious culture.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

Our story started over 25 years ago growing through collaboration, innovation, strong culture, and a focus on people, specifically our people. Our people inspired, developed, and grew FIRST to the incredible brand experience creator it is today. 

And our hope is that you become the next page of our story in developing how our agency connects more people beyond what they thought was possible.

A welcoming, creative and ambitious workplace that offers personal and professional growth for all individuals. At FIRST, you'll find:

• A welcoming workplace that fosters diversity and belonging with a focus on team members feeling valued, respected, and supported. 
• Creative teams that enjoy challenging work with an ability to make an impact on those around them.
• An experiential organization that cares about the development and career experience of each employee, focusing on excellence and flexibility with the right balance of structure to thrive.

Location: Jersey City, NJ (in office requirement) Must reside in the tri state area to be able to go into office up to 4 days a week.

What You Would Get To Do:

The Project Manager will assume a key role within the organization by leading and motivating colleagues in a way that enhances working relationships and encapsulates FIRST values and our client's brand. The individual will ensure the project team delivers consistently exceptional service to our clients through excellent project management and delivers world-class events that exceed client expectations. Along with other FIRST team members, the Project Manager will represent the FIRST Solutions brand on-site within a well-known tech company. This position is ideal for a corporate event planning professional with prior experience managing and motivating team members.

Your Contributions 

• Independent Project Manager responsible for the planning and execution of multiple key  corporate events 
• Manage all aspects of the event operation from initial briefing to reconciliation 
• Maintain client liaison and ensure SLA’s (Service Level Agreements) are monitored and  achieved throughout the event planning process 
• Field questions and offer advice to team members to assist with creative problem solving 
• Work with the team to ensure adherence to client’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)  
• Be responsible for accurate and timely budgeting and reconciliation of events 
• Create and closely monitor value-adds at every opportunity 
• Share knowledge and best practice regarding new suppliers, services and venues • Be proactive with ideas and creative solutions 
• Provide support other team members as needed 
• Management of vendors contributing to events (gifts, printed materials, etc.) 
• Deepen relationships with existing clients and maximize on opportunities to add new events to the portfolio 
• Travel (10-15% annually) for site inspections and on-site management of events to ensure full coordination of logistics and on-site teams 

What We Are Looking For 

Please be aware that we know experience does not always look like we describe it. If you believe you would be an excellent fit for this role, please apply - we would love to see how you could fit at FIRST. 

As part of the interview process, you might be asked to complete a short-written assessment to demonstrate your skill set. We encourage you to contact recruiting@firstagency.com if you need an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent practical experience
• 5 – 7 year's Event Management experience preferably in a financial/corporate environment 
• Advanced Project Management skills including budget creation, management and reconciliation 
• High-level conference, meeting and production management and organization experience 
• Excellent supplier knowledge and negotiating skills 
• Creative problem solver, team player and resourceful 
• Ability to take direction and work independently 
• Excellent verbal and written communication 
• Strong adaptability to situations and ever-changing demands 
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills to meet strict deadlines 
• Ambitious, proactive and highly organized 
• A calm and flexible approach to handling pressure and stress 
• Detail oriented, “Big Picture” thinker 
• Willing to travel to various locations for site visits and on-site management of events 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

•  Advanced working knowledge of venues and suppliers in key U.S. cities 
•  Proficient knowledge with Cvent Venue Sourcing 
•  Experience working on large and complex databases 
• Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Office proficiency 

ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL:  

• Work intelligently and ensure that the Team Managers are aware of problems or issues which negatively affect productivity 
• Strict and accurate adherence to company’s time tracking policies and systems 
• Ensure knowledge is shared within the team through positive communications 
• Work on ad hoc requests from clients as required 
• Assume responsibility for own environment, ensuring adherence to health and safety policies while having clean smart surroundings

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $70,000 to $100,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

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